Ayobamiji Komolafe 
The Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured the conviction of six individuals on charges related to internet fraud.
The convicts, identified as Idris Muhammed, Ismail Temitope Mustapha, Oyekola Odunayo, Anthony Sylvester Stephen, Timilehin Adeniyi, and Olayiwola Ayomide Abdulmalik, were prosecuted for impersonation and defrauding unsuspecting victims.
Justices Sulaiman Akanbi and Adebayo Yusuf of the Kwara State High Court in Ilorin delivered the judgment on Wednesday, October 16.
New Telegraph reports that Justice Akanbi presided over the cases of Idris, Ismail, Oyekola, and Anthony, while Justice Yusuf handled the convictions of Timilehin and Olayiwola.
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The charges outlined fraudulent schemes involving various social media platforms, through which the convicts deceived their victims into sending money and gift cards.
The defendants pled guilty, and the court accepted evidence presented by EFCC prosecutors Andrew Akoja and Victoria Igodo.
Evidences presented include extra-judicial statements, recovered items, and the money obtained from their illicit activities.
Idris and Ismail were sentenced to two and one-year imprisonment, respectively, with an option of fines and the forfeiture of their devices and illicit gains to the Federal Government.
On the other hand, Oyekola received a cumulative three-year sentence with community service and fines.
Also, Anthony was jailed for one year, with fines imposed.
Similarly, Timilehin and Olayiwola were sentenced to six months each, with the forfeiture of their phones and restitution funds to the Federal Government.
